Player ‘very close’ to joining Everton – Move to Goodison Park ‘one step away’

Last week, multiple sources in Italy reported Everton are ahead of Aston Villa in the race to sign Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto. It was also stated the Premier League duo would challenge Inter Milan for the forward’s signature.

On Monday, Spazio Inter explained that the 19-year-old’s agent had a meeting with Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta and their sporting director, Piero Ausilio, at the weekend. It was assumed he was at the Serie A side’s headquarters to talk about his client’s future.

Even though Aston Villa and Inter have looked at the Leeds player, it’s Everton who are set to win the race. That’s according to Sportitalia, who state Gnonto is ‘very close’ to joining the Toffees.

While the Villans have been in the background, Sean Dyche’s side have taken the decisive steps to acquire the Italy U21 international’s signature. It’s claimed Everton will pay €22m to the Whites for the player.

Whether that includes bonuses isn’t made clear.

In this way, Gnonto will continue his adventure in the Premier League, after the attacker managed four goals and four assists from 28 matches last season.

With Gnonto now ‘one step away’ from Everton, Sportitalia asked former Lecco sporting director Francesco Filucchi to share his views on this operation.

“Gnonto? Good story. He had a good season, he did well even when he was called into question during the game. He’s Italian, he’s doing a good job in the Premier League,” he said.

“Everton? Aston Villa were also looking for him: It’s a good sign. He’s growing, he is important for the future of the national team.”

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Willy Gnonto is close to a move to Everton in an £18.8m deal, according to reports in Italy. The winger impressed during his first season in English football, but there has been speculation over his future following Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship.

Everton were among a number of clubs monitoring his situation, and now Sport Italia claim the two clubs have agreed a deal. Aston Villa retain an interest, but it appears as though Gnonto will become the latest player to leave Elland Road this summer.

Gnonto played 28 times for Leeds after arriving from FC Zurich in a deadline day move last summer, scoring four times and contributing a further four assists.

Leeds United have unveiled their 2023-24 home kit that will be worn for the first time tomorrow night when Daniel Farke’s side take on Manchester United in Oslo.

The Adidas shirt is, of course, white, and features a v-neck collar with blue and yellow stripes down the shoulders and a subtle feather peacock pattern in the fabric. The shorts and socks also feature blue and yellow stripes.

The new home kit is available in the club’s retail stores and online from 9am this morning, with season ticket holders, My Leeds+ and Priority members able to order from 8am.